IHC seeks govt reply on Imran’s plea for security

LHC moved for removal of Imran as PTI chairman after disqualification

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE:

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday issued a notice to the interior ministry and the federal government, seeking a reply to a plea filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for provision of security by April 6.

IHC Chief Justice Aamir Farooq heard Imran's plea which was filed following the “threatening” remarks made by Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah.

During the hearing, Justice Farooq inquired whether Imran was being provided security as a former prime minister. The PTI chief's lawyer, Advocate Faisal Farid, replied that Imran's security had been withdrawn.

Justice Farooq asked what the standard operating procedures (SOPs) were for provision of security in case someone received death threats.

He said former chief justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar had withdrawn many security details.

However, he added that the former CJP had also said that security could be provided if someone's life was in danger. "Check if those SOPs are still in the field or not," Justice Farooq said.

Later, the court adjourned the hearing till April 6.

Toshakhana case

Separately, the IHC issued notices to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), seeking replies over its investigation into the Toshakhana (gift depository) case while the matter remains sub judice.

The high court announced its reserved verdict over the maintainability of an application filed by Imran’s wife and former first lady Bushra Bibi challenging the summons notices issued by NAB.

Justice Farooq and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz presided over the hearing.

Read Sanaullah won’t stay if there’s room for one: Imran

During the hearing, the petitioner's lawyer Khwaja Haris argued that the NAB notices contained incomplete information.

"The questionnaire seeks answers but the charges are yet to be detailed," he added, stressing that summons could only be issued once it had been clarified whether the concerned party was being ordered to appear as the accused or a witness.

He also said that the orders were issued just a day after former NAB chief Aftab Sultan resigned from his post who "had revealed that there was pressure on him".

Plea filed against Imran

An application has been filed in the Lahore High Court for the removal of Imran from the post of PTI chairman.

The application was filed by Muhammad Junaid, a citizen, through Advocate Afaq Ahmed.

The petitioner adopted the stance that the Election Commission of Pakistan had disqualified Imran from NA-95 Mianwali and after disqualification, no one could remain the head of a party.

“We approached the Election Commission but no action was taken on the request for Imran’s removal from the post of PTI chief.”

It was requested that an order be given for the removal Imran Khan from the post of PTI chairman..